ELECTRONICALLY MEDIATED COMMUNICATION (EMC) Communication sent via a channel such as a cell phone or the Internet (versus face-to-face). Examples of EMC Cell phones Computerconferencing Discussion boards Electronic mail Instant messages Photo-sharing communities Social networks (e.g., Facebook, MySpace, Twitter) Texting Blogs Videologs (Vlogs) VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol technology, such as Skyping and YouTube) Differences between EMC & F2F Time: Synchronous vs. asynchronous Anonymity: Varies Honesty: Potential for Deception is greater Nonverbal cues: More difficult to assess Language: Relies upon written word; varies on formality (and spelling) Distance: Proximity isn t as vital 1
Hyperpersonal Relationships Relationships formed primarily through EMC that become even more personal than the equivalent F2F relationship Due to Absence of distracting external cues (physical appearance) Smaller (selective) amounts of personal information being disclosed Idealization of the communication partner Joseph Walther (1996) EMC Theories Cues-Filtered-Out Theory: Nonverbal cues are limited Nonverbal emotional expression is restricted with text messages We are less likely to use EMC to manage continuing relationships Media Richness Theory: 4 criteria Amount of feedback available to communicators Number of cues the channel can convey (that can be interpreted by a receiver) Variety of language used Potential for expressing emotions and relational messages Social Information-Processing Theory: Can communicate emotions & feelings, but takes longer Technology is changing our understanding of conversations Awareness of audience Degree of conversational spontaneity Abruptness of disengagement Multiplicity of conversations Acceptance of interruptions Notions of Privacy Who is receiving the message? How much planning goes into the message? When does the conversation end? Who else is involved in this (or other) conversations? Who is more important? Interruptions inevitable? Who is able to access the conversation? 2
What are the pro s and cons you experience with EMC? Don t assume: Others hold the same attitudes toward EMC as you do Jumpstart (Robb Armstrong) Don t assume: Others hold the same attitudes toward EMC as you do The receiver is the only person receiving your message and/or actually received your message Others know who you are Identify yourself Leave name & contact information (2x on phone) Others are able or willing to respond/communicate at that time 3
Beware of Sexting - the sending of nude, semi-nude, or erotic pictures or video via cell phone Cyberbullying (AKA digital harassment) mistreatment that takes place using an electronic medium (includes Cyberstalking) Phishing attempting to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details by posing as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. Forwarded funnies /warnings electronic communication that originates from another source than the sender; often unwanted and/or untrue Use common sense! Refuse to pass along unwanted, unverified messages Remember privacy: Limit access to your social network sites Never post or share your personal information online, including sex &relational status Never share your passwords Create a gender neutral email name and use business-like email signatures Use virus and tracking detection programs Delete questionable documents without opening them Get a spam email account Cyber-bullying: If you find yourself being victimized, the classic advice is to ignore the stalker. Even responding to their E-mail to say, Leave me alone, just encourages them. Block and report cyber-bullying to the proper authorities Be careful about meeting face-to-face Cell Phone Etiquette If engaged in F2F communication, ignore cell phone Tell others in advance if you are waiting for an important call When you answer a phone call during a conversation with another person, you are saying "you're not as important to me as the person on the phone." Turn off (silent or vibrate might be okay): Theater, musical, film, public speaking events Classrooms, libraries, meetings, worship service, court (continued) 4
Cell Phone Etiquette (cont.) Maintain privacy Remove yourself from others so you can speak privately Avoid using the speaker phone & keep your volume down Bad connection? Hang up and find a better place to make the call Avoid discussing personal matters if you are in a public space Screen calls (use voice mail & caller ID) Email & Text Part of your presenting self in the same way that your verbal and nonverbal messages are in F2F communication Adapt to the communication situation Don t use text abbreviations when emailing an employer, a professor, etc. Email or text may not be the best channel; be flexible AVOID SHOUTING! Take advantage of delayed feedback plan your message Take into account the absence of nonverbal cues to meaning Don t say anything in an email or text that you wouldn t say in person and that you wouldn t want forwarded or kept for a later time Email guidelines If you are responding, include the wording that you are responding to or reference it Identify yourself in the message Use the subject line appropriately Use common abbreviations sparingly, if at all Use proper capitalization, spelling, & punctuation I know you want vs. i no u wnt Be respectful and polite Keep in mind that e-mail messages are not secure and can live forever! 5
TXTNG Don t text When you are with someone else (without apologizing) If you are intoxicated While driving When a phone call or face-toface would be more effective Don t send bad news by text Don t assume that all people text Beware of problems from TXTNG General deterioration of writing skills Cheating in academic settings Lessened ability to make own decisions because constantly consulting friends Texting can be addictive 6